Greater Manchester gears up to push manufacturing

 SIX-step plan to put manufacturing at the forefront of Greater Manchester’s agenda has been published.

The paper, Greater Manchester’s Manufacturing Strategy, has been produced by the Greater Manchester Local Enterprise Partnership (GM LEP).

The organisation includes David Birch, director and McKinsey and Co, Juergen Maier, managing director of the industry sector (UK & Ireland) for Siemens, Wayne Jones, senior vice-president for MAN Diesel & Turbo SE and is chaired by BT regional director Mike Blackburn.

GM LEP has commissioned the new strategy to ensure manufacturing continues to be one of the most productive sectors in the region.

With the industry set to grow in value from £6.7bn (GVA measured in 2012) to at least £10bn by 2027, Greater Manchester’s Manufacturing Strategy has emerged following an in-depth industry consultation period and outlines how the sector can play a crucial role in helping the region prosper and in rebalancing the UK economy.

The strategy’s recommendations include establishing a private-sector led Manufacturing Leadership Network, which would serve as a powerful voice for Greater Manchester’s manufacturing base.  It is intended that the network would draw attention to current issues and also complement the work of existing national and North West bodies.

Another recommendation of the strategy is to establish better collaboration in manufacturing between Greater Manchester skills training facilities, incorporating key private-sector participants and giving skills providers access to the latest manufacturing technologies.
 
Blackburn said: “The manufacturing sector presents a wealth of opportunity for Greater Manchester, and in light of recent announcements from Government about devolving powers to our combined authority, this is undoubtedly an exciting time to be part of the industry.”

“However, there are significant challenges across the sector and we’re keen that our manufacturing base has the appropriate tools to tackle these and develop its trade over the long-term.
 
“We’re confident that, through the support of industry, we’ve identified the immediate core needs, and we intend the strategy to evolve as its six recommendations are brought to life. We want to continue this dialogue as we move forward to implement initiatives such as the Leaders Network in the coming months.”